₦airaland Forum

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the November 6 Anambra State governorship election inconclusive.

The action by the electoral body followed the suspension of collation of results pending the conduct of the election in Ihiala Local Government Area.

INEC Returning Officer for the Anambra election, Prof. Florence Obi, made the announcement in Awka at on Monday morning, while fixing the Ihialla election for November 9.

Obi, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Cross River, announced that the “search for a clear winner would continue when the election is conducted in Ihiala on Tuesday, November 9.”

She explained that election could not hold in the LGA due to security reasons. In aiding the action of INEC, Obi quoted relevant sections of the Electoral Act and Nigeria’s Constitution, saying....

Click link below to see full story:
https://newsroundtheclock.com/anambra-governorship-election/

The business of comedy in Nigeria will not be complete without mentioning Ali Baba. Born Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome in 1965, Ali Baba is the pioneer stand-up comedian in Nigeria.

He created a career out of it and made it lucrative for other entrants in the industry. Asides comedy, Ali Baba is an actor and astute business man. Since 1991, he has been actively carving his name on the footprints of time. For his dedication and consistency to his craft, he is NRTC’s Personality of the Month.

Ali Baba was born in Warri, Delta State, to the royal family of Agbarha Otor. He finished from Ojo Primary School and Command Secondary School in Lagos. Thereafter, he furthered his education at Ibru College in Agbarha-Otor and Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma where he studied Religious Studies & Philosophy.

After graduation, he decided to relocate back to Lagos to begin a career in comedy because he felt he would achieve more success there. So far, Ali Baba has actualized his desire to be a comedian and also pave the way for others who aspire to work in that field. Today, Ali is being described as the king of comedy in Nigeria. Some even go further to call him the king of kings of comedy. Because he has raised other kings in the industry too.

Ali Baba’s Achievements
The effort of the 56-year-old has not gone unnoticed as he has bagged many awards over the years. In 2009, he was inducted into the Johnnie Walker ‘Striding Man’ Society in 2009. This is in recognition of men who have achieved great strides in their chosen fields. And who support others to do so.

In 2012, he rang the Year End Closing Bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. He became the first Nigerian comedian to do so. Also, he is a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Click link below to see full story:
https://newsroundtheclock.com/ali-baba-a-comedian-and-leader-par-excellence/?fbclid=IwAR3CURClvNFqI2Up1H3IWF_Lf4V0KXM2fe0h-DqkCChoZS8MuaJBlO9UKL4

It’s another weekend packed with blockbuster football games across the top European leagues. NRTC’s football aficionado, Oladipiupo Mojeed is here again to give you a preview of the games that you need to watch out for this weekend.

English Premier League

Manchester United vs Manchester City
After a 5-0 loss to Liverpool, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was supposedly given three matches to save his job at Manchester United, and he has since beaten Tottenham and drew with Atalanta.

The back three performed admirably against a mediocre Tottenham team, but fell short against Atalanta. That defence looks much shakier on Saturday with Raphael Varane ruled out. On the other hand, Manchester City defeated Club Bruges 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Even though both matches are in Manchester, it would be intriguing to see how they do here given the short turnaround between matches.

Only Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp have beaten Pep Guardiola managed teams more times than Solskjaer but it’s hard to see United coming away with a positive result. They look extremely vulnerable whenever they come up against a half-decent coached side.

Chelsea vs Burnley

Chelsea made it seven wins in a row with a 1-0 victory over Malmoe on Tuesday night. They go into the weekend as Premier League leaders, three points ahead of Liverpool, despite the fact that Jurgen Klopp’s team has a difficult game against West Ham 24 hours later.

Last Saturday, Burnley upset Brentford 3-1 to earn their first league victory of the season. The Clarets are three points from safety and know they face a huge challenge at Stamford Bridge. They’ve gone three games without scoring against Chelsea, two of which were in West London.

Arsenal vs Watford
Arsenal is unbeaten in nine games and has won seven of them. Mikel Arteta’s side has finally kicked into gear after their slow start compounded by their injury difficulties. In each of Arsenal’s last five games at the Emirates, they have scored two or more goals.

Claudio Ranieri has lost 5-0 to Liverpool. Won 5-2 at Everton, and lost 1-0 against Southampton in his first three games. Going forward, expect a lot more volatility from this Watford team. As a manager, Ranieri has only won one of his 18 matches against Arsenal.

Spanish La Liga

Celta Vigo vs Barcelona
Celta Vigo have had a difficult season so far but they picked up an away point to Rayo Vallecano last time out. That might not have looked like a good point at the start of the season.

However, since then, Rayo have gone on to amass the best home record in the league and are one of the highest-scoring teams in the division.

Barcelona continue to falter themselves, drawing 1-1 last time out in La Liga, though they followed that up with a 1-0 away win over Dynamo Kyi. That win keeps Barca’s Champions League hopes firmly alive.

Domestically, however, Barca are in disarray. They are without a win in three and languish down in ninth. Regardless of the managerial situation, Celta have been poor this season. Barcelona should come away with all three points as they look to impress their new boss, whenever he arrives.

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano
Last time out in La Liga, Real Madrid won 2-0 over Elche, thanks to a brace from Vinicius Junior. In midweek, the Brazilian added two assists in the Champions League to maintain his impressive start to the season.

In Spain, Carlo Ancelotti’s side is now only a point behind league leaders Real Sociedad and has a game in hand.

Rayo Vallecano has performed far better than expected this season, and they are currently in fifth place coming into the weekend’s play. However, they have won 16 of the 20 points they have earned at home and have lost four of their six road matches.

Click link below to read full story:
https://newsroundtheclock.com/european-football-preview-of-top-games-this-weekend/?fbclid=IwAR3F24HqF_vf47QdUZgrVzFgBCmm5RsVP57C4tPSYlcmYPWpaQhLKjzLPLc

As always, the celebrity scene has been filled with gists. First, Obi Cubana was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning. Wizkid and Tems Essence continues to trail the blaze.

These and many more are the celebrity gists we have tracked for you this week. Why not scroll down and treat yourself.

Regina Daniels Denies using Jaruma’s product

Actress Regina Daniels has denied allegations that she used Jaruma’s Kayamata product to secure her marriage to billionaire, Ned Nwoko. The celebrity actress made this statement on her Instagram page on Wednesday.

Her post reads, “This is for clarity sake here. I have and will never use any kayamata product. Jaruma paid me to help make random posts for her. I personally gave my terms concerning the kind of posts to be made, and was very mindful with my choice of words so as not to mislead the public. I was simply creating awareness for her brand and along the line, we became friends.

“I was warned severally, to keep her at arms length and mind my association with her. But it is not in my nature to judge a person from another’s perspective. But in her case I should have known better. She constantly uses every opportunity to create contents to profit off my person and my brand, even after our payment deal expired.

“I tolerated this because I believed I understood her person and felt I should give her the benefit of doubt and maintain a cordial friendship. But this time, I will not tolerate Jaruma using this issue that practically portrays me as a bad person for her selfish desire, knowing fully well, that I have never and will never use whatever she sells as I have no reason to.

“And this is a notice to my fans and the general public, I and my brand as Regina Daniels has no business/association with Jaruma and her products, Thank you.”

DJ Neptune announced new album, ‘Greatness: The Album’
On Wednesday, Disc jockey and celebrity producer, DJ NEPTUNE announces his second album, Greatness 2.0, coming Nov. 26 via Neptune Records/emPawa Africa. The album shall feature artists such as Mr Eazi, Patoranking, Yemi Alade, Stonebwoy, Joeboy, Omah Lay, Simi and many more.

DJ NEPTUNE released his debut album Greatness: The Album, in 2018 debut which featured acts like Burna Boy, Davido, Mr Eazi, Kizz Daniel and Olamide, to name a few.

Click the link below to see full story:
https://newsroundtheclock.com/celeb-round-up-5--we-tracked-for-you-5/?fbclid=IwAR0lTtxKNQXZaIp6R1Q8uFyP0UcQcj4Mxxjrdeqckmw3i4WOYaMh8oqhkbM

Personal Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, has given reasons why the Nigerian President will not release the incarcerated leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, anytime soon.

Onochie who made the position of her principal known through a post on her Facebook page on Monday, said Buhari will not release Kanu because of the killing of notable Nigerians in the South-East region by IPOB on the orders of their leader.

Lauretta Onochie further accused the secessionist leader of having a hand in the deaths of many Nigerians including Chike Akunyili, the husband of former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) late Prof Dora Akunyili, who was murdered a few weeks ago by suspected gunmen.

Reacting to calls by traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups and leaders of thoughts from the South-East for the release of Kanu who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) Onochie said such calls are useless as Buhari would not succumb to them and release Kanu whom she described as a serial killer and a monster.

“Nigerians are waiting anxiously for justice to be done. Under President Buhari, a due process advocate, the monster will get a fair trial, a chance he didn’t accord those he ordered their executions. The families of the slain are waiting for a fair and just closure to their nightmares,” Lauretta Onochie said.

“Well-meaning Ndigbo are of the opinion that their leadership, failed them by encouraging one of them who was clearly an unwell man. They did not speak up when they should. They are still hiding their heads in the sand.

“To call for his release is to spit on the graves of Dr. Chike Akunyili, Dr. Lawrence Ezenwa, Dr. Ahmed Gulak, slain traditional rulers, students, virgins, and ordinary Nigerians of Igbo stock who lost their lives on the instructions of this lunatic, not forgetting the security operatives they murdered.

“Buhari will not release that demented agent of death just because his people want him released. He must face justice and have his day in court,” she insisted

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/lauretta-onochie/

The Nigerian Army has claimed that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and not soldiers were responsible for the burning and destruction of properties in lzombe community of Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Director of Army Media Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu made the denial in a statement on Monday, claiming that suspected members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) were responsible.



It would be recalled that residents had accused soldiers of shooting a youth of the community identified as Chukwunonso Iherue during a heated argument that led to his death.

Reports also had it that the youths of the community mobilized and attacked the soldiers, resulting in the alleged killing of two soldiers and the burning of vehicles.

Soldiers reported reinforced and stormed the community in a reprisal attack and allegedly killed many residents and burnt houses.

Nwachukwu, while giving an update on the operations of the Exercise Golden Dawn, Still Waters, and Enduring Peace launched on October 4, claimed that IPOB members attacked properties belonging to those perceived to be against them.

He said: “Following the recent unfortunate incident in Izombe Community of Oguta LGA in Imo State which was characterized by arson and wanton destruction of properties by members of the outlawed IPOB.

“It has become pertinent to state the facts of the matter and set the records straight for the benefit of the general public.

“At about 9 am on October 8, 2021, troops of Ex GOLDEN DAWN Sector B received a distress call regarding the criminal activities of one Chukwunonso Iherue, a convict who was among the escapees from the Owerri Correctional Centre on April 5 2021.

“Iherue was armed with a pistol and was threatening, intimidating and inciting persons in the Izombe community to support the proscribed IPOB terrorist group.

“It is on record that late Chukwunonso Iherue masterminded the attack on Izombe Divisional Police Headquarters on May 14, 2021, during which four of his gang members were neutralized.

“Similarly, he masterminded the attack on the same Police Divisional Headquarters on August 13, 2021, where three policemen paid the supreme price.

“Again on October 1, 2021, Iherue and his gang members were seen parading Izombe Community, flying the Biafra insignia while threatening and instilling fear in the people, thereby creating tension in the community.

“When troops attempted to arrest him, he escaped with the help of some persons. Since then, troops have kept a close watch and have been on his trail.

“On receipt of the distress call, troops deployed to the scene and attempted to apprehend the suspect. “The criminal was neutralized as he engaged the troops with fire from his pistol in a frantic attempt to escape.

“Youths in the community then mobilized a large number of suspected IPOB members armed with automatic weapons and bearing IPOB insignia.

“The group opened fire on the troops, killing two soldiers in the process. In an effort to avoid civilian casualty and collateral damage in the community, troops tactically withdrew from the area.

“Unfortunately, the suspected IPOB members ran amok, setting ablaze houses and other properties belonging to those perceived to be against them.”

According to Nwachukwu, a reinforcement team was deployed to Izombe, leading to the stabilisation of the security situation in the community.

He however added that on arrival at the community, the criminal gang had also burnt the troops’ Hilux van in addition to other public and private properties.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/ipob-burnt-homes-in-imo/

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has kicked against any attempt at labelling Northern bandits as terrorists.

Instead, he wants them to be granted a blanket amnesty just like it was done for Niger Delta militants when they were agitating for some years ago.

Sheikh Gumi made the renewed amnesty call for bandits during the enrolment of a third batch of students into the free orphans’ healthcare and education support programme organised by the Kawo Islamic Foundation in Kaduna on Monday.

He insisted that granting amnesty to the bandits was the solution to stopping the bloodshed in the northern region and other criminal activities they engage in.

Sheikh Gumi added that labelling the bandits whom he described as “naive criminals” as terrorists, will further compound “a very simple problem.”

“If there is anything that can stop the shedding of blood, it is better just like what happened with the Niger Delta militants, they were shedding blood and vandalising pipelines.

“But where they were ready to drop their weapons with an amnesty that will take care of them, I think the same thing can apply to herdsmen,” Gumi said.

“We have met them and they are ready to put down their arms, but when they put down their arms, if you do not educate them and provide them with funds to take care of them, they will go back to the same old ways.

“Still, we call for amnesty and stopping all hostilities because we know how we can deal with it peacefully,” Sheikh Gumi added.

Kicking against the labelling of bandits as terrorists, Gumi said such a move will compound a simple problem as they are mere ignorant criminals who needs reorientation.

“Labelling them as terrorists will compound a very simple problem; they are simply naïve criminals and when you label them as terrorists like Boko Haram and ISWAP, they may join forces with them which will give an impetus to real terrorism.

“To deal with naïve and uneducated criminals, it will be detrimental to us to label them terrorists; we should fight them when fighting is useful, but dialogue is the ultimate solution.”

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/bandits/

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, says with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in power, Nigeria is moving in the wrong direction.

Ifeanyi Okowa stated this in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, adding that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would do better than APC if returned to power in 2023.

“In the first instance, we are not competing with them anymore. Looking through the years of PDP and looking through these past six years plus, the difference is clear.” Okowa said.

“I believe that Nigerians are able to see for themselves that the PDP came in at a time when things were really very difficult and we were able to build a foundation.

“We started building on that foundation that was laid by the Obasanjo administration and we went on.

“Apparently, it appears that everything is tumbling down. Everything is just going in the reverse in such a manner that is not good for our nation.

“Look at the time the PDP was in power and when we were leaving — the naira to dollar level and what it is today. There are too many issues.

“We are getting to a stage now where we are not even sure of food even for the middle class not to talk of the very low class.

“Most of the things that we see today that had brought Nigeria on good strides were actually foundations laid by the PDP.

“And looking through the economic projections, you will find out that we have gotten it all wrong in this current administration.

“I believe that Nigerians know the truth and Nigerians do know that PDP will do better than APC. There is no competition.

“There is no comparison at this level because the truth is quite clear that we are actually not moving in the right direction under the APC governance,” Okowa added.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/ifeanyi-okowa/?fbclid=IwAR1_3W3RWbiyxUvDpExw6rOhEGI8Dto8LbWRDUkPh3WBk48lg4IIdtotMGQ

Sometime in August 2021, Maryam who currently resides in a Nigeria Airforce (NAF) base in Northern Nigeria, was harassed on her way to work.

Maryam narrates how she was harassed below in her own words:
I was rushing to work when an officer in uniform caught up and told me that, someone at the gate was “greeting”. To which I replied, “oh, I did not hear. I’m late for work.”

“Do you know him?” She asked.

“No,” I said.

She looked at me funny. “Really?”

“Yes. I do see him at the gate but I do not know him and I complimented her uniform, she did the same, thanked me and we went our separate ways.

I make it a point to acknowledge essential workers. Not because I owe them anything but because I just might be making someone’s day. As is usually the case at all military bases in Nigeria, one is stopped at the gate and interrogated. If you are lucky, nobody pays you any heed and you pass. If you are unlucky, you are stopped, harassed, not asked any of the relevant questions, then granted entry. I was the latter on that uneventful day.

Harassed for not greeting
I had already started answering questions from the officer on duty(whose face was hidden behind a mask) when a maskless officer interjected.

“Come, are you not the girl from the morning who refused to greet you and when they call you, you say you are late for work?”

“Yes, I was late for work.” I replied.

“Because you are late for work you cannot come and greet.”

He went on to insist that I hadn’t greeted them that evening too. I stood my ground that I had, because he did not hear does not mean I did not. It was at that moment that my blood started boiling and I wanted to ask him if I worked for him but I maintained silence, giving him a chance to change his line of questioning. He, of course, did not, carried on harassing me.

“Where was it written that I have to greet you every time I pass here?”

“It was not written but it is culture!”

Seeing that he had no right to make such unfounded claims, I replied, “Well, it is not my culture.”

“You have no manners.” He started softly, but with every repetition, his voice rose. And to every repetition I replied, ok, ok and ok.



Thus followed the threats and accusations, since intimidation did not work.



“I will stop you from entering this base. I will report you!”

“And I will not enter. But I will call my guardian, they will come pick me up right before your eyes and I will enter this base.”

“I will beat you up! Are you a soldier? I will beat you up! Watch the way you talk to me. You cannot say sorry?”

“What did I do wrong? Tell me and I will apologise but I will not apologise for doing nothing .”

Officers using offensive language
And that was when a third soldier interjected, “I don’t care about your fucking greeting but it is courtesy when you come here.”

“Why are you using an offensive word on me?”

“I don’t care about your greeting.”

“If you don’t care about my greeting, why are we having a whole conversation about it?” While he was barking his own line of threats a woman came to ask what was happening and I led her aside. But she was determined to make me learn too. “See, don’t start what you can’t finish.

“No, they started it and now I have to finish it.”

I narrated the whole story to her; at first she was unwilling to listen to my side until I asked her if her colleague was doing the job he was assigned well. How is it that he could recognise my face several hours later, given the number of faces they see in a single day? Are they there to nurse resentments or to guard and protect?”


Click the link below to read full article :
https://newsroundtheclock.com/how-i-was-harassed-at-naf-base-by-an-officer-in-uniform/

Naija boy, Anthony Joshua’s conqueror, Oleksandr Usyk is confident of beating Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight rematch. And he’s already looking forward to fighting, Deontay Wilder’s conqueror – Tyson Fury, in a bid to unify the division.

The big upset

Usyk produced a big upset last month when he beat Joshua on points in a cleverly fought battle where he stunned and upset the British-Nigerian champion over twelve rounds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.

Joshua who already triggered a rematch with Usyk, was graceful in defeat. Unlike Deontay Wilder who sulked for a few days. Before acknowledging he was beaten on the day by a better fighter in Fury.

Joshua is now set to face the 34-year-old Ukrainian again in a bid to win back his titles. However, Usyk has revealed he’s already got his sights beyond the AJ rematch. He’s now looking to a possible fight to dethrone the Gypsy King and aimed a dig at Fury. Saying, only he believes he is the ‘king of kings’

Usyk is targeting a unification bout with Fury
Asked if he can see a massive unification fight with Fury in the future, Usyk told The Sun: “Yes, of course, I do regard this fight a huge one. I see him as a very good fighter, good athlete, he talks a lot, he has a tongue.

“Before my Joshua fight everyone was saying that I haven’t got a single chance to win and beat Joshua,” he said.

“I used to hear those types of things throughout my life, but I am capable of beating Fury because I’m not boasting that I can just punish and beat every boxer in the world, but I just go to the gym and do my job.

“I train hard, I work hard, I put all my effort in. I’m not trying to present myself as the king of the Universe.

“I do what I have to do. I concentrate and I’m focused and I get the result according to my effort.”

As for Anthony Joshua, he is currently searching for a new trainer. But Fury’s promoter, Bob Arum, doesn’t think it will make a difference.

“Listen, whatever new trainer he gets, he ain’t gonna beat Oleksandr Usyk. Not now, not next year, never. Usyk is too smart for him. Joshua is not gonna learn in six months what he never learned – how to fight a southpaw.”

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/usyk-looking-past-joshua-ahead-of-possible-heavyweight-unification-fight-with-fury/?fbclid=IwAR3GXTy7ItZFXih1M9qwzPD8-V5TSku9EOt8pmES8AKpgpwzQMBBQ_nkG6w

No position deserves anybody’s blood, Fayemi
For this week’s political roundup, I will start in Ekiti State where the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has warned against violence during the governorship election, which is expected to hold in July 2022.

While delivering the state of the state address at the hallowed chambers of the State House, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

Fayemi appealed to stakeholders including members of the state executive council, the State Assembly, as well as traditional rulers. Appealed for peace ahead of the 2022 governorship election of his successor in office. Stressing that “no position is worth the blood of anybody.”

Fayemi also called on politicians aspiring to be Governor in next year’s polls to avoid politics of bitterness and be conscious of the fact that “God is the only one that can choose a leader.”

“I urge you all to play by the rules and avoid politics of bitterness. No position is worth the blood of anybody. I implore aspiring Governors to be conscious of the fact that God is the only one that can choose a leader. Therefore, we should put God first in whatever we do. And may the wish of God prevail in our dear State and nation.”

Ex-Cross River commissioner quits PDP, says decision painful
A chieftain of the Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Edem Ekong, has resigned from the party.

Ekong announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the state PDP chairman, through the chairman of Idundu/Anyanga-Nse Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.

In the letter titled ‘resignation as a member of the PDP’, Ekong, said, “It is with a deep sense of regret that I am constrained to tender my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Idundu/Anyanga Nse Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Ekong was a one-time Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Lands, and the Director-General of the Department of Public Transportation.

Nigerians are tired of APC, Says Diri
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State said on Saturday that Nigerians were fed up with the All Progressives Congress, and could not wait to vote in the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023.

Duoye boasted that governors elected from PDP across the country were the best performing governors in the country. He spoke at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State as the chairman of the PDP National Electoral Committee for the conduct of the state congress of the party.

He urged party members to remain steadfast and united to ensure PDP returns to power in the next general elections.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission whose state Resident Electoral Commissioner and his team were present to observe the exercise.

Two injured as gunshots rock factional APC congress in Osun
There was apprehension at the venue of the state Congress. Organised by a faction of the All Progressives Congress in Osogbo, Osun State last Saturday, following the exchange of gunshots by some yet to identified persons.

The incident happened around 12.50pm after the congress organised by The Osun Progressives, a faction of APC backed by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, had commenced the process of electing new executives.

A car with around five occupants, claimed to be armed with guns was seen driving along Osogbo/Gbongan Road towards the entrance to the venue of the Congress and after the incident, two people were discovered to have been injured.

ADP returns to mother party, IPAC
Action Democratic Party has announced its return to the Inter-Party Advisory Council after its 19th NWC meeting in July 2020, on claims of anti-party activities by some of its members

ADP National Secretary, Victor Fingesi, made this known in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, saying that the National Working Committee, having reviewed its earlier decision to suspend its membership of IPAC, has decided to resume its full membership status at IPAC.

Fingesi said; “All National officers and State Chairmen of our great party are by this notice directed to fully participate in the activities of IPAC at their various chapters.

Okeke’s defecting to APC despite all Obiano did for him shocked me –says APGA chairman
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Mr Victor Oye. Said he was shocked by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Nkem Okeke’s defection from the party to the All Progressives Congress.

Oye said “Obiano was very nice to him. He gave him everything he needed. He had a fleet of cars, lives in a very beautiful home, well equipped office and he gets his allowances regularly, so what else does he want? I was shocked when he left the party, despite all the governor and the party did for him. He got his second term ticket on a platter.”

He stated that there was neither crisis nor disagreement within the ranks of AGPA to warrant the defection by Okeke
and criticised Okeke on the morality of his defection.

Oye said, “It is not a big deal for me; I am being very frank with you. This is my 40th year in politics. We have seen deputy governors abandoning and jumping ship and going to other political parties in the run-off to elections. This is not strange. And we are not even surprised”.

APC plotting to rig 2023 polls with direct primaries

A high ranking member of the Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the House of Representatives. Mr Ayo Yusuf has hinted that the supreme court may be approached over the restriction of political parties to direct primary in the ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act 2010.

He alleged that the move is part of the plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress to rig the 2023 elections.

He said “there are attempts by the APC to manipulate results during 2023 (general elections). When the election is rigged, they will use the result from the primary to justify the result”.

During the consideration – the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila called for removal of the option to go for either open secret or open ballot.

Gbajabiamila had said, “I will seek an amendment to Section 87. Section 87 provides for either indirect or direct primary.

“In the true ethos of democracy, I would like to amend Section 87, to delete indirect and make direct primary mandatory.”

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/nrtc-political-roundup-2/?fbclid=IwAR2JqarcKaNLYSPJ8XU9loXJV2PFlvBBAE18zlOPVMANZ-DJjtE-l0nVIoE

A burial ceremony is usually an occasion to send a deceased to mother earth in a special way. Often, it is done in a grand style. The patterns may vary, depending on the choice of the family of the deceased. However, it is a norm in Nigeria to bury the dead in an exorbitant way. It is often tagged as paying the last respect to the dead.

There are different kinds of people you are likely to find in a Nigerian burial ceremony. In this article, we shall be outlining five of them.

1. The sympathizers:
These set of people are mostly present at the burial to console the family of the deceased. Distance is not a barrier for them. Moreover, they support in one way or the other to ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly. They are more concerned about the family of the dead than themselves. Hence, they utter words of encouragement when necessary.

2. The food lovers:

Many Nigerian events have these set of people in attendance. A burial ceremony is not an exception. These individuals would dress up excitedly and they are usually in groups. In most occasions, these people have no personal relationship with the deceased or the family members. At times, they attend burials with the intention of taking extra food packs that would last them for a long period. They are known for using slogans like, ‘’there is hunger in the land. If you dull yourself, hunger go kill you.’’

3. The entertainers:

These set of people make burial ceremonies a delight to watch. Apart from the entertainers that have been contracted by the family of the deceased, these set of people show up unannounced. They could dance or pull stunts to the excitement of their audience. The end point is for their audience to part away with some cash in admiration of their performances.

4. The money sprayers:

These set of people come prepared. Their presence speaks volume as what they do majorly is spray some currencies during the burial ceremony. This group is mostly made up of individuals who have a good relationship with the deceased or with a relative of the deceased.

5. The photographers:
It is a norm to have unofficial photographers at your occasion in Nigeria. Most times, they take a shot of you and inform you that they would like to ‘’wash’’ it. In some situations, the attendees reject the offer by the photographers. However, there are certain people who would not mind. Hence, they go ahead to pay the photographer for the picture.

Beyond the five kinds of people outlined here, there are other kinds of people you are likely to meet at a Nigerian burial ceremony. There are individuals who dress up gorgeously with the intention of looking for a partner. Also, there are people who seek connections especially when the family of the deceased is affluent.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/5-kinds-of-people-at-a-nigerian-burial-ceremony/?fbclid=IwAR1lpWovGqixoBnePUORf0OiM1dq0SrAp3z2FkGIUDPqItmIST0fh_uGM6E

Fury na him oga now o!

Explore guys!

The Gypsy King, Tyson Fury showed his class by wishing the self proclaimed ‘Edo Warrior’ Deontay Wilder, happy birthday as the Bronze Bomber celebrated his 36th birthday.

Recently, the Gypsy King beat the Bronze Bomber in an epic trilogy fight. The pair initially fought twice, with the first ending in a controversial draw. And the second was won by Fury on points. However the third fight culminated in Fury knocking out Wilder to retain his heavyweight title.

Happy Birthday @BronzeBomber all the best from your old pal The Gypsy King 🥳🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/sRk0AwSThs

— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) October 22, 2021

Fury’s birthday message to Wilder
The Gypsy King in a classy tweet yesterday on Twitter appears to put their differences aside to wish his old mate a happy birthday.

Fury said: “Hey this is Tyson Fury, aka the Gypsy King. This is a very special happy birthday message to my old mate Deontay ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder.

“Have a fantastic day, Wilder. Thank you for the great fights we had, the trilogy. Great fighter, awesome fighter.

“I hope you have a fantastic day with you and your family and hope God blesses you abundantly.

“All the best, lots of love, from your old pal the Gypsy King. All the best, God bless Wilder.”

In the immediate aftermath of that third clash, the American said he ‘did not respect’ the WBC heavyweight champion. The Gypsy King responded by calling Wilder a ‘sore loser and an idiot’.

Deontay Wilder’s Reaction

Few days later, once the dust has settled. The Bronze Bomber sent his congratulations.

Wilder said: “Wow, what a hell of a night!” Wilder said. “I would like to thank my team and my fans for sticking by my side through this long process.

“I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t disappointed in the outcome but after reflecting on my journey, I now see that what God wanted me to experience is far greater than what I expected to happen.

“I’ve learned that sometimes you have to lose to win. Although, I wanted the win I enjoyed seeing the fans win even more.

“Last but not least I would like to congratulate Tyson Fury for his victory and thank you for the great historical memories that will last forever.

“Hopefully, we proved that no matter how hard you get hit with trials and tribulations you can always pick yourself up to live and fight again for what you believe in.”

Read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/classy-tyson-fury-wishes-deontay-wilder-happy-birthday/?fbclid=IwAR1hwk0LBWlNJwdycCCkcbFJPTUrL1k-B0QtHB3N5oXOkcQ4HNVmvnVpnds

This is probably the biggest game week of the season, with a Super Sunday packed with blockbuster fixtures across the top 5 European leagues. The biggest fixtures on Sunday occur at different times so it’s possible not to miss out on any.


Without further ado, let’s get into the preview by analysing the top matches in the top 5 European Leagues.

English Premier League

Arsenal vs Aston Villa

Arsenal may consider themselves fortunate to have rescued a late point against Palace last time out, but after back-to-back draws, the home supporters will want the Gunners to go one better this time around.

Villa would have been in good shape if they had held on to beat Wolves. Their season has been marred by personnel issues, with key forward recruits failing to line up together.

Dean Smith’s side have won the last three encounters between the two clubs without conceding a goal. This indicates that they know how to beat Arsenal, but the Gunners could be in for another draw.

Chelsea vs Norwich
Chelsea thrashed Malmo 4-0 in midweek. It however came at a cost: Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner were both injured and had to leave the game.

Norwich have gone winless in their last 18 Premier League games, but recent evidence suggests they aren’t far away.

With back-to-back 0-0 draws against Burnley and Brighton, Norwich appears to have shifted their focus to defence.

Chelsea haven’t scored more than once in each of their last four home games against Norwich. Their supporters will still expect a comfortable win.

Brighton & Holve Albion vs Manchester City
Brighton are unbeaten in their last six matches and have kept clean sheets in four of those. They have actually drawn each of their last three and head into Saturday’s game with successive 0-0 draws.

Manchester City were immense in the Champions League in midweek, recording a 5-1 win away against Club Brugge.
Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in seven league matches since their opening day defeat to Tottenham. They have kept clean sheets in six of those.

Brighton actually won this fixture last season but City remains the overwhelming favourite here.

Manchester United vs Liverpool
Manchester United will be full of confidence after coming from behind to defeat Atalanta 3-2 after falling behind 2-0. However, there were still a lot of questions about the performance. In the first half against an Atalanta squad, it was obvious they are missing numerous first-team players.

United did create a number of decent chances. The players at least demonstrated that they are still committed to the manager. Knowing how his side are attacking at the moment, including through the in-form Mo Salah, Jurgen Klopp would have taken great joy from portions of United’s performance in midweek. Liverpool won a five-goal thriller in midweek. This extends their undefeated run to 21 games, the longest in the Premier League.

Liverpool have remarkably scored at least three goals in all seven of their away matches this season. They had put four past United at Old Trafford last season. United no doubt heads into Sunday’s fixture with the adrenaline pumping from midweek. Liverpool can put them to the sword-like Atalanta couldn’t.

Spanish La Liga
Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Barcelona has had a terrible season thus far, both on and off the field. But the atmosphere around Camp Nou has transformed in the last week. The first was a new deal for star midfielder Pedri ahead of a major win over Valencia in La Liga. This was followed by a much-needed Champions League success over Dynamo Kyiv due to Gerard Pique’s winner and a new contract for Ansu Fati, another rising talent.

All that has seen a little optimism return to Camp Nou, and out of nowhere, Barca have crept back within two points of Real Madrid in the La Liga table. That makes this Clásico all the more appealing, but make no mistake, Barca still have their issues. Ronald Koeman’s men were not particularly impressive in their win over Kyiv, and they are still struggling to take complete control of games.

Real Madrid, however, had a bad run leading up to the international break, losing back-to-back games in both La Liga and the Champions League. Due to a postponement, they were unable to participate in the last round of La Liga matches, although they did defeat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League during the week.

With a brace, Vinicius extended his stellar season to seven goals and five assists in 11 matches, while Karim Benzema and Rodrygo also scored. Given the uncertainty at right-back for Barcelona, Vinicius will be hoping to cause plenty of havoc, and Rodrygo may have a field day if Alba is ruled out.

Clásicos are notoriously difficult to predict, but Real Madrid has a distinct personality and is considerably more capable of putting on a show under duress. The team of Carlo Ancelotti has to be considered the favourites, although there could be a few goals.

Italian Serie A
Inter Milan vs Juventus

Inter Milan will face Juventus at San Siro in their next Serie A match on Sunday. The Serie A champions are coming off a 3-1 win over Yuriy Vernydub’s Sheriff in the UEFA Champions League group round. Inter Milan won thanks to goals from seasoned striker Edin Dzeko, Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, and Dutch centre defender Stefan de Vrij. Sheriff’s consolation goal was scored by Luxembourg international Sebastien Thill.

In the UEFA Champions League group stage, Juventus defeated Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Sergei Semak’s side 1-0. Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus won thanks to a late second-half goal from Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski.

Juventus has won half of the 36 head-to-head meetings between the two teams. They’ve won 18, lost eight, and drawn ten games, and won this match up 3-2 earlier this year, making them favorites ahead of this fixture.

French Ligue 1
Marseille vs PSG
Marseille’s all-action attitude under Jorge Sampaoli makes this version more enticing; expect an open match with plenty of goals.

PSG’s defence has been shaky at times this season, and if Marseille isn’t too tired from their midweek Italian trip, this might be a banana skin for the leaders.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/preview-of-top-football-matches-across-top-european-leagues/?fbclid=IwAR3li8JYOby_FDa_Wg7jjZuS_MYvTyNzw-h7P0WkXcmDUIpr1b1or0E-WVk

Fresh air often can stave off carsickness if someone starts to feel ill.

Travelling is an essential part of our lives. One may need to travel for business purposes, to attend special occasions, to visit distant friends and relatives or just for leisure. Whatever the reason, it is good to be prepared. Let’s take a look at 6 travel tips to make your journey hassle-free.

Leave home plenty of time before departure time
Punctuality should not just be for business purposes only, add this value to your travel routine too. Always endeavour to leave early to get to the bus park, train station, or airport. This will help you to relax and prepare for the journey ahead. Also, arriving early helps to take away anxiety.

Select a comfortable seat
You are embarking on a long trip and this requires you to be comfortable. Where possible, select a seat with ample leg room, especially if you are very tall. Do not sit in a place that is too tight. Avoid squeezing yourself to fit in and ensure that there is enough ventilation where you are seated. This will ensure that you do not develop body pains after your journey.

Be financially prepared
Embarking on a long journey should come with adequate financial preparation. Apart from the stipulated amount for the trip and other things you would need, always take extra cash. You may need it for unplanned expenses. A credit card could be an alternative for you. The most important thing is not to be stranded along the way.

Send travel details to a close pal
Before you embark on your trip, inform someone close to you. Send them details of the airline, train or bus you will be travelling in. Where possible, maintain constant communication till you get to your destination. The information will be useful in case an emergency situation arises. This means that you should ensure electronic communication devices such as your mobile phone, are well charged.

Take pictures

Your trip is not complete without memorable pictures. Before and after you get on the plane or on the bus, take some pictures. Make sure you capture every moment if possible on your camera. This will give you a long lasting memory even after you have left the place.

Have fun
Fun is relative. What is fun to one person may have a different meaning to another. Hence, do what you consider as fun to make your journey memorable. Some persons see taking pictures as fun. Meanwhile, for some persons, eating loads of food is fun.

You could gist and talk about your past travel experiences with your co-passengers. Trade travel tips with people you meet on your journey. Some persons have formed lasting friendships from their travels. Hence, you can capitalize on that too.

Have you made close friendships out of your travel journeys? Kindly share with us.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/6-tips-for-a-memorable-travel-experience/?fbclid=IwAR3TDJ8ScP4QXO1P8L1MrXVdd6IgZ3kbEZK8rGa_oqnQ5CCvUNWUGFdkDVQ

In this week’s NRTC Business Potpourri, Roland Bayode will give you a quick round up of the trending business news in Nigeria.

Budget 2022: Self-employed Nigerians make lots of money, should pay tax – APC Rep Fakeye
A member of the House of Representatives, Olufemi Fakeye has called on the Federal Government to tax self-employed Nigerians as they allegedly earn lots of money.

Fakeye, a member of the All Progressives Congress, representing Boluwaduro, Ifedayo and Ila Federal Constituency of Osun State. While commenting during the plenary session on the 2022 budget on the floor of the house stated that taxing small businesses will generate enough income for the government to boost its revenue.



He added, “I think our tax reform should be such that every Nigerian has a chance to contribute. Go out there and talk to 80 percent or 90 percent of the citizens, a lot of them who are self-employed don’t pay tax anymore. I pay attention to revenue shortfalls for the government. Growing up, I recall everybody paid taxes. Whether you are a farmer, your daddy was a carpenter, whatever he did for a living, he paid tax. Now we have inclined to forgive everybody their taxation except those who have an income where the tax is taken out of your income and the rest paid to you.

However, he questioned why do the Federal Inland Revenue Service or tax organisations, or even the tax joint boards when widening the tax net, shy away from finding a way to make people pay, stating that small companies with an annual turnover of not more than N25 million are exempt from paying the Company Income Tax under the Finance Act 2020, and these people make a lot of money but they don’t get to pay anything. So I think that is an area I would like to see revenue-boosting.

World Bank economist: Buhari, lifting 100 million Nigerians from poverty ambitious

The World Bank Lead Economist in the Middle East and North Africa region’s Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Group, Tara Vishwanath, has described the goal of the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years as ambitious.

Vishwanath, made this statement during a virtual World Bank media discussion on COVID-19 and jobs in Nigeria on Thursday in response to a question by a journalist. She stated that it was a very ambitious goal, which could only be achievable if precise rapid policies are put in place to provide opportunities in the labour market and boost investors’ confidence.



However, she added, “My short answer is that it is an ambitious goal. It is an ambitious goal but over a decade, many things can happen.”

FG’ll pay foreign debts before other obligations – CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, has said at the ongoing International Monetary Fund/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, that the Federal Government will ensure the payment of foreign debts before settling other obligations.

Emefiele, while answering questions during the press briefing said, “We have ensured that any of our debts due is given utmost priority, particularly foreign debt. And we ensure that wherever we are going to find the dollar, we would pay any of our debts, even before we service any obligation. That is a rule if it is Nigeria’s authentic sovereign debt.”



However, the CBN governor, added that when Dangote refinery begins production latest by July 2022, it will be a major foreign exchange saving source for the country.

Tax reliefs deprive FG of N5.16tn in 12 months

The Federal Government has recorded a loss of about N5.16tn to tax reliefs granted on Value Added Tax, Company Income Tax and Petroleum Profit Tax in 2020.


This figure was reached, after analysing data from the 2022-2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Policy Strategy report. According to the MTEF/FSP report, out of the N4.3tn tax gap, about N900bn is attributable to exemptions laid down in legislation, while the remaining N3.4tn is attributable to the compliance gap, and as a result of this, the current estimated loss due to policy gap might be too low and the compliance gap too high.



The report, also stated that the country lost N457bn to CIT waivers from large tax offices and medium tax offices, compared to the N1.1tn in 2019, representing a decrease of N634bn, of which Nigeria compares poorly to regional peers and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development benchmark with regards to CIT collection efficiency.

However, the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Muhammad Nami, recently put the number of taxpayers in the country at 41 million, but he lamented that despite the high numbers of taxpayers in the country, compared to South Africa’s four million taxpayers, Nigeria earned far lower than what South Africa generated from Personal Income Tax.

The FIRS boss added that, “the number of billionaires in Lagos alone are more than the number of billionaires in the whole of South Africa but yet what we generated as Personal Income Tax by Lagos State Government is just less than N400bn, compared to the total personal income tax paid in South Africa last year which is about N13tn”.

Blame Nigeria’s high debt service on large expenditure, says finance minister

The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed has blamed Nigeria’s high debt service to revenue ratio on the country’s large expenditure base, during an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday, noting that a large proportion of Nigeria’s budget caters to payroll.

According to the minister, “Our debt service to overall revenue is high because we have a very large expenditure base. With a large proportion of our budget dedicated to payroll, and Mr President had decided from the beginning of his administration that we were not going to disengage staff. So, there are salaries and pensions to be paid. And also, we have to fund the judiciary and the legislative arms of government.”

However, She expressed hope in the current rise in oil prices stating that the rise would help the country earn more revenue from the sales to other countries, but noted that the repurchasing of petroleum products from other countries due to stagnant refineries reduces the revenue Nigeria earns.

It’s dangerous to link your SIM to another subscriber’s NIN – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission has advised telecommunication subscribers not to allow their National Identification Numbers to be linked to another person’s Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

The NCC Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Efosa Idehen, while speaking on ‘the Benefits of NIN-SIM Integration’, during the third run of its Telecom Consumer Town Hall aired on the radio, said;



“On no account should a telecom consumer, however circumstanced, allow another person to register a SIM with another person’s NIN. If the person, whose SIM is linked to your line, uses their own SIM for any crime or form of atrocities, it is easy to be traced to you and then, you will be dealt with because the SIM is linked to your NIN.”

He, however adviced that these precautions are meant to protect the true owner of the NIN from any liabilities or negative consequences arising from the use of other person’s SIM.
Also at the radio programme, the NCC further stressed that the deadline for NIN-SIM integration remains.

ILO partners renewable energy agency on employment

The Directors-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency and the International Labour Organization have signed an agreement to reinforce their cooperation to promote employment and decent jobs for women and men in an energy transition that leaves no one behind.

In a statement on the ILO’s website, the ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder said, “The rapid deployment of renewable energy is indispensable to the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. Making such a transition conducive to decent work creation, with more and better jobs, while ensuring a just transition for all is essential.

Also, IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera, said, “We have seen significant progress in renewable energy deployment, which is reflected in the continuously increasing number of workers in the sector worldwide, but it is uneven across geographies and communities.

“Progress that is not just or inclusive is not sustainable. Achieving a green economy can not be done without creating opportunities for all, making sure that all groups of society have access to decent, well-paying jobs.”

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/nrtc-business-potpourri/

The weekend had loads of celeb gist from the entertainment scene. Veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, marked his 61st birthday. He stated that he would like to live a legacy. Also, Prince Kpokpogri is still in the news for his involvement with Instagram celeb, Janemena. These are the entertainment news we tracked for you

Mr. Ibu Celebrated his 61st Birthday

Veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, clocked 61 years on Saturday. He took to his Instagram page to share his excitement. He added that his mother died at age 90. Hence, he hopes to die at age 100. The post read,

“My name is John Ikechukwu Okafor. It is another God sent day for me. I have completed 61 years; Jesus! I cannot believe this, are you serious. My mother died at 90 years and I said I am going to go 100 years. It is by God’s power not by any man. I do not know what is going to happen when I get to 100 years but I know that I want to leave a history in this country.

“I want to leave a history in this country before I die. All Nigerians, anybody that sees me, I wish you good age, ripe age. I wish you good luck with any business that you are doing. I wish you, good friends and wonderful friends. That would be materials to your person. My name remains who I am; John Ikechukwu Okafor.”

Pero Adeniyi denies being the cause of 2Face’s marriage crisis

Pero Adeniyi has refuted claims that she is the cause of the marriage crisis of the singer and his wife, Annie. Adeniyi stated that she has not been with the singer for a while now. More so, she said that she has her boyfriend whom she is focused on. Hence, she does not know why she is constantly accused of having an affair with Tuface. Adeniyi is one of the baby mamas of the singer. On her InstaStories, she made a lengthy post on the trending issue.

“Very soon, the truth will be out in the open for all to see. Even the madman who started it all knows the truth. But he needs the lie to stay relevant. My truth is unique to me; those who know me are aware of it, and that is all that matters. The online insults are nothing new to me; they haven’t killed anyone before. People can drag me around as much as they want. But it won’t affect me,” she said.

Prince Kpokpogri apologized to Janemena’s family
The last has not been heard of Joseph Egbri (aka Prince Kpokpogri) whom his ex-lover, actress Tonto Dikeh accused of sleeping with Instagram celeb, Usiwo Orezimena Jane, popularly known as Janemena.

Dikeh had earlier stated that she had a sex tape of Janemena and Kpokpogri. Prince Kpokpogri and Janemena denied the allegation of the actress. However, a voice note which had Kpokpogri confessing his sexual activities with Janemena was leaked to the public.

Prince Kpokpogri made an apology note on Instagram to Janemena’s family. He said that he values the relationship he has with her family. Hence, he is sorry for whatever hurt he must have caused them. However, he has since deleted the apology letter after it went viral.

You can’t drive me crazy -2Baba
Iconic singer, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2baba has said that no one can drive him crazy. This statement comes in the heat of his marriage crisis. Annie Idibia had accused Pero Adeniyi, one of 2baba’s baby mothers of coming between her and her husband.

In his InstaStories on Monday, the singer said, ”When you allow some type of people accesses to you ….No shaking. Your disrespect only shows who you are. Feel free. Don’t be shy. Enjoy what you hope to enjoy. We shall meet in front.”

“I Recorded My Song, ‘Woman’ In 2019” – Simi

Celeb singer and songwriter, Simisola Ogunleye Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has a new song titled ‘Woman.’ She revealed that she recorded the song in 2019 but delayed its release because of her pregnancy.

The mother of one started the viral challenge tagged #NobodyLikeWoman on Instagram. Other female celebrities like Osas Ighodaro and Temi Otedola joined in the challenge.

Simi’s fans have praised the song so far. They also hailed the singer for the idea behind the song.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/celeb-round-up-celebrity-news-we-tracked-for-you/?fbclid=IwAR13zZjBlFEwp6cjp5Y600_6mhyXrvYwq1vgU9yhQnYFsVBnfWjHDTC4mUA

Olusegun Obasanjo was born to Amos Adigun Obaluayesanjo Bankole and Bernice Ashabi Bankole on 5 March, 1937 in the village of Ibogun-Olaogun in Owu, southwest Nigeria.

Early life
His father was a farmer and the young Olusegun helped with agricultural labour until he was eleven years.

Obasanjo grew up Baptist and attended the local village primary school. He also attended the Baptist Day School and Baptist Boys’ High School in Abeokuta.

At secondary school, Obasanjo became a member of the Boy Scouts. He also rejected his forename of “Matthew” as an act of anti-colonialism.

Olusegun’s mother fell on hard times when his father abandoned her. She began trading to make ends meet, while the young Obasanjo worked on cocoa and kola farms, fished, collected firewood, and sold sand to builders to pay his school fees. During the school holidays he cut grass and did other manual jobs at the school.

In 1956, Obasanjo took his secondary school exams. He moved to Ibadan, where he took a teaching job and sat the entrance exam for University College Ibadan.

However, he could not afford the tuition fees. Therefore, in order to fund this chosen career in Civil Engineering and as an opportunity to continue his education, he responded to an advert for officer cadet training in the Nigerian Army in 1958.

Obaanjo’s Military Career
He joined the Nigerian Army in the period before independence. At this time, there were plans in place to get more native Nigerians into the higher ranks of its military. Obasanjo then attended Regular Officers’ Training School in Ghana.

In September 1958, he went for six months of additional training in Aldershot, southern England. Obasanjo disliked England, finding it difficult to adjust to the culture and weather. However, he received a commission and certificate in engineering. His mother died while Obasanjo was in England and his father died the following year.

Obasanjo returned to Nigeria in 1959 and served in Kaduna as an infantry subaltern with the Fifth Battalion. Nigeria became an independent country in October 1960, while he was in Kaduna.

Shortly after, the Fifth Battalion went to the Congo as part of a peacekeeping force. In the Congo, Obasanjo and others were responsible for protecting civilians against soldiers who had mutinied against Lumumba‘s government.

In February 1961, mutineers captured Olusegun Obasanjo while he was evacuating Roman Catholic missionaries. The mutineers released him, and a few months later in May, the Fifth Battalion left the Congo and returned to Nigeria. During the conflict, he became a temporary captain.

On his return, Obasanjo transferred to the Army Engineering Corps. In 1962 he was stationed at the Royal College of Military Engineering in England.

That year, his fiancee – Oluremi Akinlawon – joined him in England to attend a training course in London. The couple married in June 1963 at the Camberwell Green Registry Office. Obasanjo was ordered back to Nigeria later that year, but his wife remained in London to complete her course.

Once in Nigeria, Obasanjo took command of the Field Engineering Squadron based at Kaduna. He steadily progressed through the military ranks, becoming a major in 1965.

1966 Military Coup
In 1965, Obasanjo went to India to study at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and also at the School of Engineering in Poona.

Obasanjo returned to Nigeria in the midst of a military coup in January 1966. He was among those warning that the situation could descend into civil war. And so, he offered to serve as the liaison between the coup plotters and the civilian government, which had transferred power to the military Commander-in-Chief Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

In late July, there was a second coup. Troops of northern Nigerian origin rebelled and killed Ironsi, along with about two hundred Igbo soldiers. General Yakubu Gowon took power.

At this point, Obasanjo was still based in Kaduna and was the most senior Yoruba officer present in the north. He served there until January 1967 when he moved to Lagos as the Chief Army Engineer.

Nigerian Civil War
In May, the Igbo military officer Odumegwu Ojukwu declared the independence of Igbo-majority areas, forming the Republic of Biafra. On 3 July, the Nigerian government posted Obasanjo to Ibadan to serve as commander of the Western State.

The fighting between the Nigerian Army and the Biafran separatists broke out on 6 July. Gowon chose Obasanjo to lead the attack on Biafra despite his lack of combat experience.

Obasanjo arrived at Port Harcourt on 16 May 1969 to take up the new position in charge of more than 35,000 troops. He toured the war front and was wounded. Obasanjo played a major role in combating the separatists, accepting their surrender in 1970.

His role in ending the war made him a war hero. Gowon’s government made Obasanjo responsible for reintegrating Biafra into Nigeria, a position which earned him respect. As an engineer, he oversaw the restoration of water supply. And by May 1970, all major towns in the region were reconnected to water supply.

Obasanjo’s Post Civil War Career
Shortly after, he served in Lagos as the Brigadier commanding the Corps of Engineers. He also sat on the committee which recommended dramatic reductions of troop numbers in the Nigerian Army over the course of the 1970s.

Obasanjo returned to England for a course in 1974. He served as Commissioner for Works and Housing when he returned in January 1975. During this time, he was largely responsible for building military barracks.

In 1975, a coup established a military government with Obasanjo as part of its ruling triumvirate. Obasanjo was not informed of the plans because of his critical opinion about coups. It is well documented that Obasanjo was the most eager of the triumvirate, for a return to civilian rule.

They introduced austerity measures to stem inflation, established a Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, and replaced all military governors with new officers who reported directly to Obasanjo.

From 1970, Obasanjo began to plan for his retirement from the military. He registered a business in 1973 and invested in property. His marriage to Oluremi became strained and was dissolved in the mid-1970s. He married Stella Abebe in 1976.

Olusegun Obasanjo received a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General in January 1976.

Head of State
After Murtala Muhammed‘s assassination the following month, the Supreme Military Council appointed Obasanjo as Head of State. He continued Murtala’s policies by overseeing budgetary cut-backs, expanding more access to free education and spending more on health, housing and agriculture.

Committed to restoring democracy, Obasanjo oversaw the 1979 election and he handed over control of Nigeria to the newly elected civilian president, Shehu Shagari. Before he left office, in April 1979, Obasanjo promoted himself to the role of general and he continued to receive a salary from the state.

He retired to Ota in Ogun State, where he became a farmer and an author. He also took part in international initiatives to end various African conflicts.

Olusegun Obasanjo’s Legacy & Policies
His government set up an anti-inflation task force, and inflation fell to 30% within a year. To counteract the disruption of labour strikes, Obasanjo’s government introduced legislation that classified most industries as essential services, banned strikes and authorised the detention of disruptive union leaders. It merged 42 unions into the Nigerian Labour Congress in 1978.

Obasanjo continued with various projects in northern Nigeria that were first announced under Murtala. These include irrigation schemes, agricultural development and reforestation initiatives to stall the encroachment of the Sahara desert.

To meet the country’s growing demand for electricity, Obasanjo oversaw the launch of two new hydroelectric projects and a thermal plant. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was formed as an amalgamation of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Oil Corporation. Obasanjo also continued the planning of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill.

In May 1976, Obasanjo launched Operation Feed the Nation, a project to revitalise small-scale farming and which involved students being paid to farm during the holidays. The project also involved abolishing duties on livestock feed and farm implements, subsidizing the use of fertilisers, and easing agricultural credit. In March 1978, Obasanjo issued the Land Use Decree which gave the state propriety rights over all land. This was designed to stop land hoarding. Obasanjo saw it as one of his government’s main achievements.

Despite a push for free primary and secondary education, Nigeria cut back on university funding; in 1978 it ceased issuing student loans and increased university food and accommodation charges. This led to student protests in several cities, resulting in fatalities in Lagos and Zaria.

Obasanjo’s government demobilised 12,000 soldiers between 1976 and 1977. They all went through rehabilitation to help them adjust to civilian life.

Nigeria’s state-directed development gave rise to rapid growth in the public sector. However, his government suffered accusations of extensive corruption and political repression.

Nigeria: Giant of Africa

Obasanjo was eager to establish Nigeria as a prominent leader in Africa. He revived Gowon’s plan to hold the second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in Nigeria, and so FESTAC 77 took place in Lagos in February 1977.

To promote Nigeria’s role internationally, Obasanjo involved himself in various mediation efforts across Africa. In 1977 he persuaded Benin and Togo to end their border dispute.

He failed in attempts to settle quarrels among several East African states; in a dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia and in another between Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Obasanjo held a conference in Kano on behalf of the OAU, to mediate the Chadian Civil War. They agreed to a ceasefire, to form a government of national unity, and to allow Nigerian troops to act as peacekeepers. However, the war continued and Nigeria responded by cutting off its oil supply to Chad. A second conference on the conflict took place in Lagos in August 1979, resulting in the formation of another short-lived transitional government. In the final year of his military government, he headed an OAU mission to resolve the conflict in Western Sahara.

Obasanjo angered Francophone members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by insisting that, as the largest financial contributor to the organisation, Nigeria should host the organisation’s headquarters in Lagos.

Relations with neighbouring Ghana also declined when in 1979, Nigeria cut off oil supplies to the country to protest the execution of political opponents by Jerry Rawlings. Increasingly distancing Nigeria from the United Kingdom and aligning instead with the United States, he also emphasised support for groups opposing white minority rule in southern Africa.

An Unapologetic Critic Of Underperformance
Obasanjo grew critical of Shagari’s civilian government as Nigeria entered economic recession due to fluctuations in global oil prices. In December 1983, Muhammadu Buhari overthrew Shehu Shagari. Obasanjo was initially supportive of Buhari’s government, stating that representative democracy had failed in Nigeria.

In August 1985, Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari. Obasanjo criticised some of Babangida’s economic reforms.

In 1993, Sani Abacha seized power in a military coup. Abacha arrested and convicted Obasanjo of being part of a planned coup in 1995, because he was openly critical of Abacha’s administration. He was released only after Abacha’s death in 1998.

Obasanjo’s Political Career
Olusegun Obasanjo became the People’s Democratic Party candidate for the 1999 presidential election. He won comfortably and as president, he de-politicised the military. Olusegun Obasanjo also expanded the police and mobilised the army to combat widespread ethnic, religious, and secessionist violence.

He won a second term as president in 2003. Olusegun Obasanjo supported the formation of the African Union and served as its chair from 2004 to 2006. His attempts to change the constitution to abolish presidential term limits attracted much criticism and was unsuccessful.

In retirement, he earned a PhD in theology from the National Open University of Nigeria.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/nigerian-history-series-olusegun-obasanjo/

One observation that could be made of the global pandemic is the unexpected sales boom of skincare products.

With more people required to work from home, physical distancing and mask wearing; it has become much less important to wear makeup and fragrance.

More and more consumers found they had more time at home to invest in effective new skincare routines. There has been a greater online access to expert advice. And an ever-increasing range of innovative new products to choose from.

Skincare is Big Business
Other factors have been at play, with the emergence of new skincare problems such as ‘maskne’ (acne caused by masks). In addition, ‘Zoom Face’ and concerns over ‘blue light’ exposure. These all prompting more people to buy into the category in new ways and for new reasons.

Skincare is big business. The global beauty industry generates $500 billion in sales a year. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Nollywood actress Ini Edo and Nigerian Radio personality Toke Makinwa have released their own skincare brands – capitalising on this growing market.

Beauty social media influencers such as the Nigerian-American Jackie Aina, are receiving cult followings for their skincare tips. Even men are getting in on the act. Superstar Pharrell Williams released his own skincare brand – Humanrace for both men and women.

Skin Bleaching

Unfortunately, skin lightening products are prevalent in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report in 2011, estimating that 77% of Nigerian women use skin lightening products regularly. This is in comparison with 59% in Togo, 35% in South Africa, and 27% in Senegal. In fact, bleaching products are reportedly the fourth most sought-after household item by African women.

Skin lightening or skin bleaching, can finds its roots in the transatlantic slave trade; and the European colonization of African nations. The caste systems that entitled European slave owners and traders to reduce African blacks to indentured servants, perpetuated disparities in political status, wealth and beauty, furthering discrimination based on skin color.

The legacy of racist views which positions white Europeans as superior still remains a structural belief system amongst the women who choose to use these skin lightening products.

However, the use of skin lightening products can be potentially dangerous and harmful. Skin bleaching can manifest several complications, ranging from dermatological consequences including: eczema, dermatitis, acne to more serious health risks including diabetes, skin cancer, fetal toxicity, renal and liver failure.

Skin Positivity
On a positive note, there has been a growing trend of skincare enthusiasts, who are educating themselves through online and social media platforms on how to care for their skin.

This phenomena extends to how to read ingredients on product labels in order to make more informed choices. Therefore, embracing more efficient and dermatological recommended products, proven to improve the condition of the skin.

Furthermore, there is a growing social media movement called skin positivity which seeks to promote positive attitudes to the way people feel about their skin. Helping to challenge the misconceptions and stigma attached to a myriad of skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and dermatitis to name a few.

Top 5 Must Have Skincare Ingredients
In recognition of this growing trend, NRTC have complied the 5 must have ingredients, you should consider incorporating in your skincare regime:

Niacinamide or Vitamin B3

Niacinamide is a multitasking ingredient which became increasingly popular in the last year, and has been a firm staple in many skincare regimes. It works by controlling the skin’s oil sebum, perfect for those with oily skin or acne prone skin. It brightens complexion and reduces the appearance of hyper-pigmentation and dark spots.

Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that helps fight free-radical damage. Vitamin C softens rough patches, counteracts sun damage and helps fade pigmentation spots.

It also stimulates collagen production, and has an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to slow or reverse the signs of ageing.

Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is one of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients available. Proven to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, dullness and sagging skin.

It can also help treat skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis. While reducing pigmentation marks and smoothing the complexion.

Retinol has the power to stimulate cellular repair at the deepest level. Boosting the circulation, so skin looks healthier and younger.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA is naturally occurring in the skin. It is known for its skin benefits especially alleviating dry skin, increasing the skin’s suppleness, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and speeding up wound healing.

In skincare products it is used as a humectant – a substance that helps the skin hold onto water. In doing so – it gives the skin a more radiant and youthful appearance.

Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids (aka fat molecules) that are found naturally in the skin. It’s a great ingredient in skincare for black skin, as black skin is found to have lower levels of ceramides in the top layers of the skin. It helps the skin to retain moisture and improve the skin’s function.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/skincare-is-selfcare-top-5-must-have-ingredients/

Club football action resumes after the international break with the preview of the games across the top European Leagues.

Without wasting much time, here is the preview for some of the top games across the European leagues.

Watford v Liverpool

Watford fired Xisco Munoz before the international break and replaced him with Claudio Ranieri, a former Premier League winner. The Italian starts with a stern test against Liverpool at home.

Liverpool is still undefeated this season, but their defence has been shaky of late. They will be without Alisson for this match.

The Reds were also defeated 3-0 by Watford last time out, with Ismaila Sarr running them hard, and were lucky to win the game before that.

Nonetheless, even if Watford benefits from a new manager bounce, Liverpool will be expected to win and win well. Mohamed Salah is currently regarded as one of the top players in the world and in his Premier League career against only West Ham (9) has he scored more times than Watford (.

Prediction: 0-3

Leicester City v Manchester United
With only two wins in their first seven games, Leicester have had an unusually bad start to the season. They are having difficulty creating chances and are giving up a lot of possession to their opponents.

Manchester United is also going through a difficult period, and this is the start of a challenging run of games for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is under criticism. United has won just two of their past six games and has only played well in spurts throughout the season.

Jamie Vardy has six goals in seven league games for Leicester this season. The English man will be licking his lips at the idea of facing Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof. He should be confident in his ability to break his five-game spell without a goal against the Red Devils.

Solskjaer will also be missing his dependable midfielder Fred, which will not be missed by United fans. So, it’s easy to envisage Leicester tearing through United at will on Saturday, particularly on the counter-attack. Their Premier League unbeaten streak of 29 games away from home will be greatly jeopardised here.

Prediction: 2-2

Manchester City v Burnley
Burnley should provide the ideal opponent for Manchester City to regain their winning ways. The previous four times Burnley has visited the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s team has triumphed 5-0.

Burnley is still without a league win this season, and it is unlikely to happen this weekend. They’ve lost seven of their last eight games on the road against City.

Prediction: 5-0

Brentford v Chelsea
Brentford have beaten Arsenal at home and drew with Liverpool, so they should be confident going into Saturday’s match against Chelsea in west London.

Chelsea beat Southampton 3-1 before the interval, but they needed two late goals to win. In reality, they’ve struggled in recent games.

Given what we’ve seen from Brentford against Liverpool, there’s no reason why the newly promoted side can’t cause Chelsea problems in this match.

Prediction: 1-2

Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have had a good start under Patrick Vieira, although they have only one win from their first seven games. However, as evidenced by their 2-2 draw with Leicester earlier this month, the squad has plenty of fighting spirit.

Arsenal have won four games in a row after a poor start to the season. They are unbeaten in five games in all competitions. Given the Seagulls’ blistering start to the season, a 0-0 draw against Brighton last time out can be viewed as a plus.

PSG v Angers
To the untrained eye, this may appear to be a foregone conclusion, but considering PSG’s focus on the Champions League and their previous loss to Rennes, another Breton side could shock the leaders.

Angers have only lost once in the league all season, and their zeal under Gérard Baticle might lead to a famous result.

Prediction:2-1

Barcelona v Valencia
A 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid prior to the international break increased the pressure on Ronald Koeman, who needs a win here. Barcelona have won only one of their last six matches in all competitions.

After a bright start to the season, Valencia have failed to win in four, though have drawn the last two after back-to-back defeats. Los Che have won only one of their last 14 away league matches.

The absence of Ronald Araujo is a huge blow for Barcelona and for that, fans may bear witness to a goal-fest at Camp Nou on Sunday night.

Prediction: 2-2

Bayern Leverkusen v Bayern Munich
Following the international break, a meeting of the top two teams, separated only by goal difference. When the top team plays second, the odds are heavily in Bayern’s favour. Bayern hasn’t lost in their last 14 games, winning 10 and drawing four.

Bayern Munich suffered their first defeat under Julian Nagelsmann. He and his team will try to get back on track. Leverkusen, often known as Leverkusen, has had a strong start to the season and is currently in second place.

Robert Lewandowski has gone two games without scoring in the Bundesliga, which is a goal drought for the prolific Polish striker.

Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga’s record winners, have scored in 54 consecutive games and can win this match.

Prediction: 1-2

Borussia Dortmurnd v Mainz
The Black and Yellows are still hoping to launch a title campaign for the first time in ten years, and after two away defeats, they are only a point behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

Erling “Machine” Haaland, who has 47 goals in 48 Bundesliga games, is the key to the team’s title aspirations in front of a crowd of up to 67,000.

Bo Svensson, the next Super Coach to start at Mainz, appears certain to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, and who knows, the next stop could be BVB.

Mainz were fantastic towards the end of last season, and after overcoming COVID issues to start the season well this time, they have yet to win in three games, a streak that is expected to continue.

Prediction: 1 – 3

Newcastle v Tottenham Hotspur
During the break, Mike Ashley sold Newcastle to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, who will play their debut game at St. James’ Park. Although Premier League owners and opposition fans have questioned the move, the bulk of home supporters have praised it.

Tottenham started the month with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, following a disappointing September. Spurs have won five of their past seven visits to St. James’ Park, and they will be confident of winning for the second time in a row.

Newcastle is one of four clubs yet to win a league match this season, and that streak might continue on Sunday, especially with Steve Bruce’s future at the club still up in the air.

Prediction: 1-2

These are my predictions and review for the top games across the European League this weekend. Now let’s go and enjoy some football games.

October in the UK is Black History month (BHM). This national celebration provides an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the many achievements and contributions which have helped to shape British society.

In this article, Vivian Adeyemo celebrates the high profile Black British public figures of Nigerian origin.

Population
Nigerians have formed long-established communities in the UK; particularly in industrial cities such as London. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2011 Census recorded 191,183 Nigerian-born residents in England and Wales. More recent estimates by ONS put the figure at 215,000 in 2019.

Nigeria’s History with UK
The earliest recognised Nigerian presence in London took place over 200 years ago. This was as a result of the transatlantic slave trade. Nigerian Olaudah Equiano, a former slave who lived in London; was involved in the debate in Britain over the abolition of the slave trade in the 1780s.


Like many other former British colonies, Nigeria has been a large source of immigrants to the UK. Prior to Nigerian independence from British rule in 1960, many Nigerians studied in the UK along with the majority returning to Nigeria upon completion of their higher education. In the 1960s, civil and political unrest in Nigeria contributed to many refugees migrating to Britain, along with skilled workers.

Nigerians emigrated in larger numbers in the 1980s following the collapse of the petroleum boom. This wave of migration has been more permanent than the pre-independence wave of temporary migration. This latest wave of migration has propelled an established community of second and third generation British Nigerians – born in the UK with parents or grandparents from Nigeria.

British Nigerian Icons
In celebration of BHM, NRTC will for the comings months, run through a list of 50 notable British trailblazers of Nigerian descent. This series will feature public figures from a range of fields from the entertainment industry to politics.

Here is this month’s 10 influencers and vanguards of excellence:

1. Sade

Helen Folasade Adu aka Sade is a Nigerian born, British singer and songwriter. She is the lead singer of her band ‘Sade’ which is named after her. To date, she is one of the most successful British female artists in history. Sade was the first Nigerian (African) to win the Grammy Award in 1985 under the Best New Artists.

2. Seal

Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, professionally known as Seal, is a British singer-songwriter. Born to a Nigerian mother and Afro Brazilian father, he is famed for hit songs such as “Crazy” and “Kiss from a Rose”. He has sold over 20 million records worldwide. Seal has won numerous awards including four Grammy Awards.

3. Anthony Joshua

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, aka AJ, is a British professional boxer. AJ was born in Watford, Hertfordshire to a Nigerian mother and father of Nigerian and Irish ancestry. He is the former unified world heavyweight champion, having previously held the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles. He represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics, winning a gold medal.

4. Bernadine Evaristo

Bernadine Anne Mobolaji Evaristo is a British author and academic. She won the Booker prize in 2019 for her novel Girl, Woman, Other, becoming the first Black woman and the first Black British person to win it. She won the British Book Awards in 2020 for Fiction Book of the Year and Author of the year. In June 2020 she became the first Black woman and first Black British writer to get to number 1 in the UK paperback fiction chart.

5. John Boyega

John Adedayo Bamidele Adegboyega, known as John Boyega, is a British actor and producer. He was born in Camberwell, London to Nigerian parents. His international star acclaim, was with roles such as Finn in the Star Wars, sequel trilogy films.

He won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016. In 2020, he was cited as one of the top 100 influential Africans by New African magazine. Boyega is a passionate activist on racial inequalities, more notably participating at the Black Lives Matter rally in Hyde Park, London in 2020.

6. Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Ayoyinka Saka is a British professional footballer who plays for Arsenal and the England national team. Saka was born to Nigerian parents in Ealing, London. On 15 April 2021, Saka scored a goal which helped Arsenal to a 4-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the quarter final of the Europa League.

He was named Europa League Player of the Week, as a result of his stellar performance. He represented England at the UEFA Euro 2020, steering the team to the finals – but losing out to Italy in penalty shoot outs.

7. Chi Onwurah

Chinyelu Susan Onwurah is a British Labour Party politician; who is a Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central since 2010. Known professionally as Chi Onwurah, she was born in Newcastle to a Nigerian father and English mother.

The family moved to Nigeria, when Onwurah was a newborn in 1965. However, Onwurah and her mother returned to the UK two years later, when the Biafra war broke out. Her father remained in Nigeria to join the Biafran army. Her seat at Newcastle Upon Tyne Central is the second safest Labour seat in the North East.

8. Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor is a British actor who has received numerous awards and nominations for his impeccable acting abilities. Ejiofor was born in London to middle-class Nigerian parents. Ejiofor was involved in a motor accident in Lagos, Nigeria when he was 11.

The accident tragically took his father’s life and left Ejiofor badly injured with scars which are still visible on his forehead. Despite early tragedy, Ejiofor has built an impressive acting resume, and picked up many accolades and won awards along the way. For the film 12 Years a Slave, he received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor.

9. KSI

Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji better known as KSI, is the multi-faceted British YouTuber and rapper. KSI was born in London to a Nigerian father and British Nigerian mother. KSI was primarily known for his gaming commentary YouTube videos, before venturing into the world of music.

He has over 34 million subscribers and over 8 billion video views across his YouTube platforms. KSI’s debut studio album Dissimulation debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. His second studio album, All Over the Place debuted at number 1.

10. Eniola Aluko

Eniola Aluko is a British-Nigerian football executive, commentator and former professional player. Aluko is currently the sporting director of Angel City FC in Los Angeles.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria to Nigerian parents , she moved to Birmingham , England at the age of six months. She has made 102 appearances for the England national team from 2004 – 2016. In 2014, Aluko featured on the BBC’s football programme Match of the Day, becoming the first woman to appear as a pundit on the show.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/celebrating-british-nigerian-icons-for-black-history-month/

The entertainment scene never runs out of celebrity gist. This week began with some interesting stories. The weekend also had some stories including that of singer Tiwa Savage. On Monday, veteran Nollywood actress, Ireti Doyle, disassociated herself from the business of her daughter, Kachi. These and many other celeb gists have been tracked for you.

Actress Ireti Doyle disassociates herself from daughter’s business
Actress Ireti Doyle has disassociated herself from her daughter, Ngozikachi Abimbola Onyeulo, over fraud allegations. Onyeulo is the owner of Kachi Beauty Products. Several times, she was accused of scamming her customers. This allegation rubbed on Doyle who had initially promoted her daughter’s business on her social media pages.

On Monday, Doyle released a statement on her Instagram page disassociating herself from her daughter’s business.

“I reiterate and write to inform all parties concerned and the general public that I am in no way connected to Kachi beauty products… She is one of my biological offsprings and that is the extent of the relationship…” a part of her statement read.

Consequently, she asked those affected to reach out to Kachi or the appropriate authorities.

Whitemoney and Angel visit celebrity businessman, Obi Cubana
Celebrity business man, Obi Cubana, has played host to former Big Brother Naija housemates, Whitemoney and Angel. The reality stars visited him at one his exclusive nightclubs in Abuja.

Whitemoney expressed excitement by kneeling and holding the legs of the billionaire. Whitemoney won the sixth edition of the show while Angel was the fourth runner up.

Actress Foluke Daramola Salako’s husband speaks on marriage crisis
Olukayode Salako, husband to Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola Salako, has spoken up amidst their alleged marriage crisis. On Monday, Mr. Salako took to his Facebook page to debunk the rumors.

“Foluke Daramola Salako and I still share the same bedroom. In fact, we woke up on that same bed this morning. Let those silly merchants of beer parlor and pepper soup joint journalism continue to write their rubbish about us. They have been doing it since we got married…’’ a part of the post read.

He concluded by saying that his marriage is still intact. Hence, those spreading rumors about him and his wife should stop it.

IG celebrity dancer Janemena sues Tonto Dikeh for N500M
Popular Instagram dancer, Janemena, has sued Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, for saying that her ex-boyfriend, Prince Kpokpogri had Janemena’s sex tapes in his possession.

Janemena filed a petition through her lawyers, describing Dikeh’s claims as damaging and malicious.

“These malicious publications and in the context in which it was made, meant and Janemena understood it to mean the following amongst other things: Janemena who is a married woman had and is still having an amorous or sexual relationship with Prince Kpokpogri (referred to in the publications as Joseph Egbri) who is not Janemena’s husband,” part of the petition read.

Janemena demanded that Dikeh pulled down all the related posts from her social media handles. She also asked for an unreserved apology and the sum of 500 million naira for damages.

Tiwa Savage speaks on being blackmailed over a sex tape
Singer Tiwa Savage has revealed that she is being blackmailed over a sex video. According to her, her present boyfriend mistakenly uploaded the video on Snapchat. He deleted it immediately but someone noticed and saved it.

The ace singer and celebrity made this revelation during an interview with American OAP, Angie Martinez of Power 105.1. She said that her lover is sad about the situation. Besides, she said she would not pay the blackmailer any money. Her reason was that her blackmailer would demand money again months later.

Regardless, she is worried about how her family and fans would feel about the video is released. Nevertheless, she asked her fans to ignore it.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/celeb-round-up-5--we-tracked-for-you-3/

Nigeria is a blessed country rich in culture and diversity. Every region in Nigeria has its peculiarity and unique cultural heritage.

There are numerous historic buildings in Nigeria which form part of our heritage as a people. In this article, Blessing Enenaite will be revealing six of such buildings which are now favourite tourist destinations you should consider visiting if you are thinking of somewhere interesting to visit in Nigeria.

1. Ancient Kano City Walls

The ancient walls of Kano were constructed as a defence to protect its occupants against external attack. And was built in the 11th century (1095AD). The 3rd Emir of Kano, Sakri Gijimasu, laid its foundation. Records however have it that the walls were completed in the 14th century.

2.First Storey Building in Nigeria, Badagry
The first storey building in Nigeria is part of the history of the people. It was said to have been constructed by missionaries living in Badagry, Lagos. Henry Townsend, a famous missionary, laid the foundations of the building in 1842. The building work was completed in 1845, and it was once used by the Methodist Church as a primary school.

The first African C.M.S (Church Missionary Society) bishop, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, was an occupant of the building. Crowther is notable for being the first man to translate the Bible from English to Yoruba.

3.Gobirau Minaret, Katsina
This historic monument is about 7 centuries old. The Gobirau Minaret is at the centre of Katsina State. According to historic accounts, it was built during the reign of the first Muslim king of Katsina, Sarkin Muhammadu Korau (1348-1408 AD). The building which is 50ft tall was originally used to call Muslims for prayers. However, its use has been shifted from that original purpose.

4.Mary Slessor House, Calabar
The Mary Slessor House was named after the iconic Scottish missionary, Mary Mitchell Slessor, who is notable for stopping the killing of twins in Calabar.

The historic building was constructed in the 19th century in Ekenge, Calabar. Rather than live among her colleagues in the missionary quarters,Slessor chose to live among the Calabar people. Hence, the building is a remembrance and proof of her selfless service to humanity.

5.Oba of Benin Palace, Edo
In 1999, the Oba of Benin Palace in Edo State was listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. It was originally constructed around the 13th century by Oba Ewedo of Benin and was rebuilt by his successor, Oba Eweka II in the 20th century. The Oba of Benin is one of the most revered traditional rulers in Nigeria.

6.First Presbyterian Church, Calabar
Calabar has some historic buildings because it was a settlement for foreigners’ centuries ago. Colonialists and missionaries resided in the town where they laid their footprints.

The first Presbyterian Church in Nigeria was founded by Rev. Hope Masterson Waddell in 1846. Hence, the church still stands as one of the historic buildings in Nigeria.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/6-notable-historic-buildings-in-nigeria/

This is probably not the best time to write an article about a Super Eagles player. After a lacklustre 1-0 loss to the Central African Republic. However, super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, is such an interesting and inspiring person worth looking into.

Player Profile
William Paul Troost-Ekong is a professional footballer who plays as a centre back for English Premier League side Watford and the Nigerian national team.

He joined Watford from Serie A side Udinese in September, 2020 after a series of spells in Netherlands and Belgium, and helped the English side gain promotion back into the top flight after making 33 appearances for the club.

William has been a key player in the club since his arrival, and has featured in all their league games so far this season.

On the international front, Troost-Ekong first featured for the Netherland’s U19 and U20 sides as he was eligible by birth. Making 3 appearances for the Dutch in the process.

William has since switched allegiance to Nigeria. And he was part of the Nigeria U-23 team, that won bronze at the 2016 summer Olympics.

He was also part of the Super Eagles team that won bronze at the 2019 African Cup of Nations. Troost-Ekong is currently the captain of the Super Eagles, and has said switching to the Nigerian national team has been the best decision in his career.

Player Background
Troost-Ekong was born on September 1, 1993, and has dual nationality. As he was born to a Nigerian father from Akwa Ibom and a Dutch mother, Eleanor Troost.

He was born in Haarlem, Netherlands and has 2 siblings, Emily and Everest. He grew up in Netherlands, just outside Amsterdam and made regular visits to Lagos, Nigeria.

Net Worth and Finances
The Super Eagles star leads a life envied by many as he earns around £14,000 weekly wages. For his services at Watford football club and has other sources of income from advertisements and endorsement deals with the likes of adidas and TAG Heuer as brand ambassadors.

William Troost-Ekong also has a YouTube channel, with over 56.7k subscribers after being encouraged and inspired by England and Watford teammate, Ben Forster, who also has massive following on YouTube, with over 800k subscribers.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/william-troost-ekong-watford-star-centre-back/

10 October 2021 marks World Mental Health Day. The theme of this year’s occasion is “Mental Health in an unequal world“. This theme, is set by the World Federation for Mental Health. It focuses on reducing the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’. A gap that continues to grow with time and with the care of people with mental health concerns.

To mark the day, NRTC would like its readers and supporters to reflect on the past year. Particularly on how it may have impacted on your mental health.

The day provides an opportunity to reflect and talk openly about mental health in general; and the struggles you may be facing.

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma in the Black community against speaking about mental health. It is important to overcome this stigma, in order to access appropriate treatment and services. High profile athletes such as tennis star, Naomi Osaka and gymnast Simone Biles have spoken about their mental health struggles; and in doing so brought about a shift in the conversation about mental health.

So to mark the day, please take care of your mental well-being, be kind to yourself and remember its ok to not be ok.

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/world-mental-health-day-2021-why-it-is-important-to-speak-up/

It’s another exciting week on the FIFA calendar, with some international games on the cards. France and Spain will also square up against each other in the UEFA Nations League final.

Czech Republic vs Wales
After surprising many at Euro 2020, Czech Republic will be disappointed with their current standing in their Group E. They are level on points with Wales but have played a game more with just two wins from their opening five games.

With a game in hand, this is probably a bigger game for Czech Republic but Wales will be desperate to avoid defeat on Friday. The absence of Gareth Bale is a blow for the away side, while Czech Republic welcome back a fully fit Patrik Schick.

Wales are unbeaten in their last three qualifiers but they haven’t exactly made easy work of any game and could come unstuck here with Bale absent.

Prediction: 1-0

Latvia vs Netherlands

Latvia have only lost one of their last four World Cup qualifiers but face an uphill task to get anything from this match.
Following questions about whether the Netherlands were too boring under Louis van Gaal, they won their last game 6-1 over Turkey.

This is an emphatic result that should give the team extra confidence moving forward.

Prediction: 0-3

Turkey vs Norway
Turkey enjoyed an impressive start to 2021, which included a 3-0 win away to Norway in the reverse fixture. They have since taken a turn for the worse since Euro 2020.

They crashed out of this summer’s major tournament at the group stage with three defeats from three games. And since then, they’ve won one of their three World Cup qualifiers. Last time out they were hammered 6-1 away to the Netherlands.

Norway will hope to reverse the result between the two from March but they are without star man Erling Haaland and several other first-team regulars. Defeat to Turkey remains their only loss on the road to World Cup qualification. They impressively held the Netherlands to a 1-1 draw last month.

With the direction the Turkish national team is currently heading, Norway should fancy their chances of picking up at least a point.

Prediction: 1-1

Germany vs Romania
Hansi Flick has made a good start to life as Germany’s head coach with three wins from three; 12 goals scored and none conceded. Germany lost their final World Cup qualifier under Joachim Loew but Flick has quickly moved them four points clear at the top of Group J.

Romania have made a good recovery in qualification after losing back-to-back games in March. They are unbeaten across their last three qualifiers with two wins and a draw in that time. However, they are not expected to trouble Germany on Friday.

Prediction: 2-0

Andorra vs England
Andorra have lost five of their six qualifiers and were beaten 4-0 by England in the reverse fixture.

England have won five of their six qualifiers with a draw last time out to Poland.

Another big win is expected for England on Saturday despite concerns over the state of the pitch.

Prediction: 0-4

Cyprus vs Croatia
Cyprus are bottom of Group H with four defeats from six matches. They did shock Slovenia 1-0 on home soil earlier in the campaign but are big underdogs here.

Croatia are level on points with Russia but currently hold top spot. Croatia have impressively kept clean sheets against Russia, Slovenia and Slovakia in their last three – their three toughest opponents in Group H.

Prediction: 0-3

Sweden vs Kosovo

Sweden are second and four points behind Spain in Group B but if they win both of their games in hand during this international break, then they will go top.

Kosovo will be slightly disappointed with a record of just one win from five qualifiers to date. They lost the reverse match 3-0 on home soil.

Sweden have recorded World Cup qualification wins at home to Spain, Italy, and France in their last five, stretching back to 2017, so they will expect three points here.

Prediction: 2-0

Scotland vs Israel
Back-to-back wins and three from their last four has put Scotland in a great position in Group F. They are currently second but only a point ahead of Israel.

Israel’s three-game winning streak in Group F came to an emphatic end last time out with a 5-0 loss to leaders Denmark. The reverse fixture ended 1-1 between the two sides, but Scotland will be looking to make the most of home advantage here.

Prediction: 1-0

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/international-games-to-look-forward-to-this-weekend/

Afrobeats first lady, and super star, Tiwa Savage, has said she is being blackmailed over a sex tape that her boyfriend ‘accidentally shared on social media’.

According to Tiwa, the footage was accidentally uploaded to Snapchat by her boyfriend last month. It was quickly removed, but unfortunately, it had already been downloaded by an unnamed stalker who is now blackmailing her.

Tiwa revealed this on in the US while appearing on the radio station Power 105.1 in New York on Friday.

The Afrobeats star said she is refusing to pay a blackmailer who is threatening to release the video.

“I am not going to call it a sex tape. But it’s a tape between me and the person I am dating right now,” she told host Angie Martinez.

Tiwa also confirmed that she cried when she was informed of the leak by her road manager on Thursday. She told Martinez that she would not give in to the blackmailer’s demands. Adding that even if she paid up, there was no guarantee they wouldn’t release the footage anyway.

“I’m not gonna have somebody blackmail for doing something that is natural,” she said. Tiwa Savage said she was going public about the blackmail so she could control the narrative: “I’m that crazy I could put it out myself … You’re not making any money off of this.”

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/tiwa-savage-says-shes-being-blackmailed-over-a-sex-tape/

Last weekend was filled with lots of entertainment as the Big Brother Najia Season 6 show ended with White Money declared winner with the highest number of votes.

Singer Yemi Alade also gifted her mom with a brand new Lexus SUV to mark her birthday. And while celebrating his 44th birthday, film maker and actor, Kunle Afolayan stated that he is set to release his new film. These and many other celeb gists were tracked for you.

Kunle Afolayan announced new film
Actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, announced the launch of his new movie on September 30. This coincided with his 44th birthday. While celebrating himself on his birthday, he announced his new projects.

He wrote on his Instagram page, “Adekunle Ayodeji Akande Omo Afolayan. I thank you Lord for everything. My birthday gift to myself is the birth of @kap_hub and SWALLOW the movie.

“Official opening is today and Swallow launches on Netflix tomorrow. Thank you to all you guys for being part of my life and my story.”

White Money won Big Brother Naija Season 6
The sixth season of Big Brother Naija reality show ended on Sunday with White Money named as the winner. The show had housemates who gave viewers entertainment for 10 weeks as they battled for the prize of 90 million Naira.

Other housemates who made it to the final were Liquorose, Pere, Cross, Angel, and Emmanuel. The final show had some amazing performances from artistes such as Made Kuti and Laycon. The winner also went home with a brand new car.

Yemi Alade bought mum car for her birthday
Popular singer, Yemi Alade, bought her mother a new car to mark her birthday last Friday. She also wrote a heart-felt note on her Instagram page to celebrate her mum on her special day.

The post read, “I’m so thankful that you chose me, birthed me, nurtured me, love me, bless me, tolerate me, understand me, guide me.

“I just want to shower you with love and praises for as long as God is on the throne in our lives. Happy birthday Mummy @helenmamaafrica.”

Former BBN housemate, Tochi, got a car gift
Tochi, a former housemate of Big Brother Naija reality TV show was gifted with a brand new Toyota Hilux truck on Saturday. He excitedly shared photos of the truck with the caption, “Man no be God!!! A failure today!!! A winner tomorrow. He works in mysterious ways!!”

One of his friends who presented the gift to him said that Tochi is strategic about success. It was one of the reasons they decided to give him the car gift.

Rapper MI marked his 40th birthday
Nigeria’s foremost rap artiste, Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI turned 40 on October 4. While celebrating himself on his Instagram page, the rapper said that he is set to release a song.
He said, “Today I cross a personally joyful milestone: Henceforth, (the adages promise) life will begin. Without knowing it, that was my recent process to arrive here at this moment today. Shedding the old, and making way for the new.

“I’m grateful for the walk here. I look around, locking eyes with all you who have refused to leave, adamant that I am worth the ride. And you are not wrong, but I am worth it because of you. If, for the road ahead, I can count on you… then my friends… let us forge ahead!! Bring it on.. let life begin!!!” (sic).

Besides, he made a video snippet of the song with the caption, “Anointed. The song is dropping 2022. Cut by me.”

read more: https://newsroundtheclock.com/celeb-round-up-5--we-tracked-for-you-2/